Werhane, center Brendan Berens and right tackle Mitchell Temperly are the senior leaders up front. Temperly, who has been on the roster since 2010 when the Panthers won state, is the veteran.

But Werhane, Oberle and 6-3, 255-pound sophomore left tackle Joe Milliken were inexperienced. But the linemen have become more of a cohesive group as the season has progressed.

“It’s been communication,” Werhane said. “All across the line we were inexperienced at the beginning of the season. We even had a sophomore at left tackle.

“Then again, guys stepped up and the communication has really helped him along. We’re strong enough now. When we communicate and know what we’re doing, we can really move people.”

That was evident last Saturday in the state quarterfinal against Stockton, when the Panthers rushed for 242 yards on the road against the Blackhawks.

“They got low,” Oakley said. “It’s wet here and our guys knew that they had to keep driving and they did a heck of a job.”

The line has, in turn, helped Oakley improve as a runner in between the tackles. Oakley finished with 167 yards and a touchdown last week against Stockton.

“The main thing is we’ve stayed healthy, especially on the offensive line,” Arand said. “When you stay healthy, you gel together and you know what the guy next to you is going to do all the time.”

Le-Win’s defensive line has also stepped up. The Blackhawks were held to just 94 yards rushing and only surrendered 59 yards to Colton Broshous, the NUIC’s top rusher.

“Anthony Martinez and Alan Myelle in the middle have stepped up huge for us this season,” said Werhane, who plays defensive end. “In the beginning of the year, we were a little worried about those two spots, but they’ve absolutely stepped up to the plate. Then at the other d-end spot, Ben Schubert has done a great job. And Oberle, who used to be a linebacker, has gotten in there and has been doing his thing.”